It’ll be hard not to stay busy on a campus as active as The University of Texas at Austin.
The Arts
Museums, Libraries & Galleries
The gems of the university await you in the exhibitions, gallery spaces and halls of our cultural treasures.
From the nine million volumes of the university’s library system to the arts, history, environment and sciences collections of the museums and arts and cultural centers on and off campus, you can spend a lifetime in discovery and exploration on campus. Some of these destinations include:
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Courtyard Gallery
- Dolph Briscoe Center for American History
- Harry Ransom Center
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
- Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports
- Texas Natural Science Center
- Visual Arts Center
When you browse the rich media resources of the Fine Arts Library, you won't be disappointed. The collection includes about 500,000 books and scores, 400 serial subscriptions, 47,000 compact discs, 9,000 DVDs, 17,000 video cassettes and videodiscs, 6,200 reels of microfilm, 24,000 microfiche and more than 100,000 LPs.
The Performing Arts
Texas Performing Arts has many ways students can get involved -- from discounted student tickets to Hook ‘Em Arts, the student organization of Texas Performing Arts. Get more information on what Texas Performing Arts has to offer you.
The Department of Theatre and Dance puts on many productions throughout the year. Learn more about the student ticket package and student admission to departmental shows.
Visit Arts & Attractions to learn more about the museums and arts and cultural centers on and off campus.
Beyond the Forty Acres
If you find yourself hankering for the open road and wanting to explore the university beyond the Forty Acres, you can make your way south of Austin to Port Aransas and to the west Texas post of Fort Davis to explore the wonders of the sea and the stars at the Marine Science Institute and the McDonald Observatory.
The Entertainment
University Unions
The University Unions encompass the Texas Union, the Student Activity Center (opening in spring 2011) and the Student Events Center.
The Texas Union was built in 1933 to serve as a college independent community center or "living room" on campus.
Whether you love music, movies or just hanging out, the Texas Union has something fun to offer.
Check out the Cactus Cafe & Bar for one of Austin’s great acoustic music traditions. The live music performance venue has attracted a national reputation since 1979.
From bowling to billiards, the Underground offers a variety of leisure options for the university community. Don’t miss Glow Bowl at special times.
The Texas Union Theatre is a great place to catch movies – new and old. Visit the Student Events Center for listings.
Get to Know Campus
The Moonlight Prowl is a guided, nighttime campus tour packed with anecdotes of student life, history and all sorts of university lore.
On the Tower Observation Deck Tours, take a special guided look around the observation deck of the university's landmark Tower and explore the architecture, interior and more.
The Landmarks Public Art Program gets you up close and personal with contemporary and modern art sculptures placed throughout campus. The program brings the finest works of public art to the main campus to support the university as a leading research institution, enhance its aesthetic character and provide a source of civic pride and welfare.
